Maintenance of Bogs Discussed

onJuly 19, 2014

An anticipated ten minute public hearing lasted almost an hour on a Request for Determination of Applicability for maintenance mowing of the pathway around the perimeter of the Goldovitz Bogs and the side slopes of the dikes. The property is located just off Old Indian Trail. This request was discussed by the Marion Conservation Commission at their Wednesday evening meeting at the Town House.

John Rockwell of the Buzzards Bay Estuary Program, representing the Board of Selectmen, addressed the board. Rockwell gave a brief history of the various dikes, of which only one is structural. He said the request to mow was primarily to maintain access to the bogs for residents, but would have the additional benefit of keeping turtles from being mowed over if the vegetation grows too high.“ Turtles can be seen by a mowing operator if the vegetation is controlled … they are about four inches high … if the grass is higher, they would be mowed over … the intent is for the operator to see them,” said Rockwell.

Board members visited the area recently and asked Rockwell about some cuttings and chipping debris put into the bogs. The board also asked who was currently mowing the pathways around the bogs. Rockwell did not know if the Department of Public Works or a local resident was currently mowing the area and that he would personally remove the cuttings and chips to avoid a delay in getting it done. The pathways are approximately ten feet wide.

The board agreed that the pathways could be mowed in accordance with the approved management plan, but that a Notice of Intent would be needed to mow the slopes or to work on or within the bogs.

An appointment with Thomas Stemberg of 114 Point Road for a Notice of Intent to demolish the structures on the lot and construct a single family dwelling, a pool, a pool house, a tennis court, a driveway and walkways was continued until 7:00 pm on August 19.

The board briefly discussed a draft of their response to the Board of Selectmen regarding the ongoing controversy regarding the management of the Spragues Cove storm water basin at Silvershell Beach. The BOS requested the Conservation Commission’s input on the issue. The draft was approved unanimously and will be given to the BOS.

The board circulated a thank you note from long-time secretary of the Conservation Commission, Diane Drake, who recently retired.

The next meeting of the Conservation Commission will be on Wednesday, July 23.